Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
Hosea 4: 17
4:17 Ephraim [is] joined to idols: let him alone.
A Dread Mark Placed—
By continual resistance the sinner places himself where he knows nothing but resistance. When he disregards the calls of God’s mercy, and continues to sow the seeds of unbelief, the dread mark is placed over his doorway, “Ephraim is joined to his idols; let him alone” (Letter 51a, 1895). {4BC 1174.5}
We are likened unto the watchmen on the tower ready to sound the trumpet. We are our brother’s keeper. The loud cry is to go out to the whole world. If we do not warn the brethren of their sin, and they fall, their blood is on our heads. However, if we send the warning, and they pay no heed and resist the call, then their blood is on their head. If they continually resist the warning, there comes the point where we have to let them alone. We need to move on as there are many rocks to turn and seeds to sow. We are to continue praying on their behalf and for God’s mercy on their souls. Ephraim [is] joined to idols: let him alone. Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. Hosea 14: 9
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for being a Father of love and of mercy. Your Holy Bible has provided us Your ways and how to walk in them. We pray that as we witness of Your glory to others, that they take heed and repent of their sins. Like You, we do not want any to perish. We pray for wisdom and understanding in Your ways to help our brothers and sisters learn of You and stop resisting Your call. We pray that they have not grieved away the Holy Spirit, lest it is too late for them. We pray for their salvation and Your mercy on their souls. Bless us and keep us, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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